A reporter’s surprising response to Quiner’s Diner

By Tom Quiner

I grumbled as I listened to a young television reporter use the term “health care provider” in describing what Planned Parenthood does.

He was reporting on a Supreme Court free speech decision which allows pro lifers to continue to pray outside of human abortion clinics. This happened last year.

A friend, Jenifer Bowen, who is the director at Iowa Right to Life, told me to do something about it. She said I should let the reporter know my feelings. Thanks to her prompting, I sent him the following e-mail:

“Great job on covering the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision which upheld free speech rights for pro life advocates who pray at human abortion clinics.

You let both sides weigh in, as any good reporter would.

I have one key correction. You characterized Planned Parenthood as a “health care provider.” They are not. Almost all of their revenues are derived from performing human abortions.  Even the birth control pills they prescribe to their customers have been classified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization. They do not perform mammograms, despite claims to the contrary (they refer customers elsewhere).

In future reporting, I suggest it would be more honest and accurate to describe Planned Parenthood as a human abortion provider, not a health care provider.

Thanks for allowing me to weigh in. Keep up the good work.”

I received this reply from him:

“Thanks for the message Tom. I learn something new everyday with this job and appreciate you pointing out the mistake so it will not happen again in the future.”

I learned a lesson: keep spreading the gospel of life. Sometimes it falls on deaf ears. Often times, it sticks.

Never give up the fight.